Ron L. Pemberton, Dvm

Ron Pemberton D.V.M., 82 of Decatur, Texas passed away on October 23, 2023.

Ron was known by many names – “Ron”, “Doc”, “Dad”, “Ronny Lee”, “Pembe” but perhaps his most cherished nickname was “Papa”.  Ron loved his family fiercely and cherished his friendships made through the years.

Ron was born May 24, 1941 in Meade, Kansas to Kenneth “Pink” and Velma Pemberton.   He developed his love of animals on their family farm.  Ron’s favorite story to tell his children when they were learning to drive was how much the owners of the local filling station liked him because he was one of the only teenagers that would not kick rocks when he pulled out of the station.  Ron continued to live his life with a respect for others and property.

Ron graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Pre-Veterinary Studies.  Spurred by his love for animals, sharp mind and good friends, Ron graduated from Kansas State Veterinary School in 1967.

Ron met his soul mate at K-State.  Jane had self-appointed herself to be a greeter to students and when she met Ron, her lifelong friend told her that she was going to marry him someday.  That “someday” turned into June 25, 1966 when the couple were wed in Salina, KS.  They recently celebrated their 57th year of marriage.  Ron and Jane were blessed with two children – John (son) and Jenn (daughter).

Upon graduation from Veterinary school, Ron spent two years in the United States Air Force as an Air Force Veterinarian in Wichita Falls, TX and Big Spring, TX.  Ron then began his career as a private practicing veterinarian working for Vet clinics and finally working for himself at his own Vet Clinic. While he worked on all animals, Ron specialized in large animals – horses and cattle.  The Pemberton family lived in Ardmore, OK, Hot Springs, AR and Grapevine, TX before settling in Roswell, NM.  It was in Roswell, NM that Ron started his job with the United States Department of Agriculture as a federal veterinarian.  Ron worked alongside many people he called his friends to keep Brucellosis and Tuberculosis out of the cattle herds.  Ron was known by many as a veterinarian that was fair but took his job very seriously.  He was responsible for a six County area but was also frequently called into other parts of the United States to keep foreign diseases out of the country.

Ron loved wood working, puzzles, reading and supporting his family.  He often had projects that he made in his home shop, Sawdust Station, and gave them away as gifts to family and friends.  He made everything from statement pieces of a child’s rocking chair to household decorations to pens.  Whenever you were gifted with one of Ron’s projects, you felt an honor of the time he spent making it and his talent to create beautiful pieces.  He was often called upon for his knowledge of fixing things, healing animals and life advice.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jane Martin Pemberton; children, John (Lori) Pemberton, Jenn (Jason) Sanders; grandchildren, Carter Sanders, Sophia Pemberton, Grace Ruiz and Kato Ruiz; sister Sandi Ergott whom he affectionally called “Briar”; brothers-in-law Harvey (Sherry) Martin, John (Lisa) Martin and Tom (Teresa) Martin; 8 nieces and nephews, lots of grand-nieces and -nephews, a few great-grand nieces and nephews and many good, lifelong friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Velma Pemberton.

Ron will be remembered for his smile, friendly personality, quick wit, love of his family and sayings such as “Peachy Keen” and “Finer than Frog’s Hair” when asked how he was doing.  His absence will leave a large hole in many hearts but we are all better for our time spent with this wonderful son, husband, father, Papa, brother and friend to many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 26th at 10:30am.  The Family will host a Private Burial at Oaklawn Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Decatur and the Wise County Animal Shelter.